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The Protimeter Surveymaster hammer electrode is an optional accessory that facilitates measurement of moisture content deep within the wood. It provides reasonably accurate readings though accuracy above 20% tends to be somewhat less.
Because the meter’s range does not extend below 7%, the hammer electrode is unable to provide readings for samples with very low moisture content. The meter itself features both pinless and pin modes. It has a digital display that shows actual moisture levels, and an LED color-coded scale that gives a quick visual check of moisture condition.
The hammer electrode is a worthwhile accessory for the Surveymaster for those times when the user needs to measure moisture much deeper within the wood.
Pros
- Performed well in our accuracy test.
- Meter features two modes of operation: search and measure.
- Comes with a calibration check device.
- Audible and visual alarm.
- Color LED indicator in search mode gives quick visual feedback.
Cons
- Hammer electrode has wiring problems.
- Cannot take measurements below 7%.
- Adjusting for species and temperature requires using tables.
- Surface moisture significantly affects readings.
Protimeter Surveymaster
GE Surveymaster Push Cable
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 4.3 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 4.4 out of 5.0
The Surveymaster hammer electrode provided mostly accurate readings, especially in the low to middle MC range, when compared to ASTM D-4442 oven dry standards. No results are provided when MC is very low (below 7% MC), because the meter is not designed to measure this low. Accuracy decreases above 23% MC.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 1.0 out of 5.0
Surface moisture had an appreciable effect on moisture content readings, increasing by 7.6% over the baseline. These results indicate that operating this meter in high humidity environments where condensation may form on the surface could lead to questionable readings.
Learn about our surface moisture test procedures
Meter Temperature – 5.0 out of 5.0
Meter temperature had a relatively small effect on this hammer electrode’s readings.
A low meter temperature of 34.8° F in the presence of low MC decreased the reading 0.5% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased only 0.1%.
A high meter temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC showed the same reading as the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased 1.7%.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature – 4.7 out of 5.0
Wood temperature had a small effect on this hammer electrode’s readings.
A low wood temperature of 33.6° F in the presence of low MC saw the reading increase 1.1% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased 0.4%.
At a high wood temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC, we observed a 0.1% decrease compared to the reading at room temperature. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased by 0.3%.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 5.0 out of 5.0
The hammer electrode provided consistent, repeatable readings throughout testing.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift – 3.0 out of 5.0
This meter showed a drift of 0.5% from the baseline after three seconds.
Cable Interference – 5.0 out of 5.0
Cable interference did not affect the hammer electrode’s readings.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.3 out of 5.0
Learn about our subjective testing procedures
Ease of Use – 2.5 out of 5.0
This hammer electrode and the meter itself are easy to use. Little use of the manual is needed to get started. Documentation in the manual is clear and easy to understand.
Quality – 3.7 out of 5.0
Although the meter appears to be solidly built, we found some problems with quality during our testing, including problems with internal wiring in both the meter and hammer probe.
Comfort – 5.0 out of 5.0
This meter and its hammer electrode are comfortable to operate. Ergonomically designed to fit nicely in one’s hand, the meter is also compact and fits easily in a shirt or jacket pocket.
Versatility – 2.0 out of 5.0
Use of the hammer electrode allows users to get moisture readings well below the surface of the wood sample. The meter features two modes (pin and pinless) for detecting and measuring moisture. Species adjustments are made using a table supplied with the meter, which can be inconvenient.
Range – 2.3 out of 5.0
The Surveymaster takes measurements from 7% to 30% on wood. Its range does not extend to low moisture content below 7%.
Features – 3.2 out of 5.0
Readings are precise to the nearest 0.1%. Features a low battery indicator, both audible and visual alarms, and a calibration check accessory. Lacks a HOLD function that would be handy when working in tight spaces.
Customer Service – 4.5 out of 5.0
Customer service appears knowledgeable and is able to answer all the basic questions, including the cost of repair, turnaround time on repairs, etc. Warranty is one year. Fast response time to both telephone and email inquiries. Manual available online.
Our review is based on Moisture Meter Experts independent evaluation of the meter, which was purchased by Moisture Meter Experts or provided free of charge by the manufacturer. By purchasing this meter through the links above, Moisture Meter Experts may be compensated either by your purchase directly from Moisture Meter Experts or from commissions from an affiliate. View our Review Procedures section to learn more about our proprietary evaluation procedure and expertise in the field of moisture meters.